Training for marathon
tucky3203
Posts: 57 Member
So, I run slow. What others would call a walk, I call a jog/run. I average between 13:30-15:00mins/mile depending on the temperature and terrain. Feeling a little down because many people have seen me out running and say, "hey I saw you out walking". Even my husbands siblings poke fun at my pace. I know it shouldn't bother me. I know I am doing better than the people sitting on the couch...but man is it a motivation killer. Just was looking for some support. I am about halfway through my training for my first full marathon. I have completed three half marathons and will be doing my fourth in three weeks. I can still call myself a runner...right?
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Replies
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You run. You're a runner. Look at it this way, you're getting more out of your money when you take your time during a race.
But seriously, there are always going to be people slower, and faster. Don't worry about it. Get through your first marathon training successfully, and uninjured, and then if you want, there are all kinds of ways to work on your pace.
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Thanks! I have a four miler tonight. Running as I have been. Just needed the encouragement!0
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This shirt is made for folks like you and me, OP. We may be on the slow side, but we're still runners dang it!1 -
Love the shirt! Love that we run!0
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You are doing great
I am trying to get faster but I currently run between a 13-13:30 mile. 0 -
I can still call myself a runner...right?
That shouldn't even be a question! Of course you are a runner!
Stick with what you are doing - getting through training uninjured is a major accomplishment in itself and is a worthy objective for anyone. No one likes to be sidelined; if you can avoid that you are not only a runner but a WISE runner.
No doubt those making a joke at your expense aren't also runners. If they were, they wouldn't make those kinds of insensitive wisecracks. Real runners - like you - understand that everyone has their own pace and needs.
Don't let such comments get you down. Instead write them off as coming from people who don't run that don't know what they are talking about.
PS: There are running jerks out there. Ignore them too. Because, well, they are jerks!
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PS: There are running jerks out there. Ignore them too. Because, well, they are jerks!
This comment is the best! thanks!0 -
advisingwench wrote: »
This shirt is made for folks like you and me, OP. We may be on the slow side, but we're still runners dang it!
i want it
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As you know, I'm injured but I am also a slow runner. I'm a 12 minute miler. I like this shirt.
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You guys are amazing and making my day a whole lot better!0
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Pretty sure I can run faster than your husband and all his siblings. And yet to many other runners, I'm slow. I never make fun of slower people because dammit they are out there, getting it done, being awesome.
Now that said, most people CAN make the choice to get faster but it's like playing the piano - you have to put in the time and consistency. It's a choice (usually - there are exceptions). Coaches, running clinics, groups etc are all out there.
Good luck on the marathon training!
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The only reason I run faster is to end it sooner. But whatever it takes to get the job done! I've done a half marathon this last spring and promised myself never to do it again. More power to ya!0
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I'm slow too - but dang girl you've done HMs and now training for a full - and THEY have the nerve to rag you about your pace???? How many races have they done? How many miles do they log in a day? I bet they feel guilty cause you're showing them all up. And if that's not the case and they ARE runners (which you ARE btw) shame on them. They would be the exception and not the rule. I've found runners to be very encouraging so far. Running is hard work. Getting faster or more distance is hard work. Hold your head high and run it girl
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My husband is super supportive and has always called me a runner. His brother and sister in law not so much. His brother is a runner and cross country coach. He feels if your mile isn't under 10 mins you shouldn't even try. He still thinks I won't finish the marathon. I've trained too long and hard not to finish. I think my pride was hurt and needed a pick me up. This forum has helped motivate me even more to accomplish the goal. Thank you everyone so much!0
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Have you tried telling them that it hurts your feelings? Sometimes people are just obtuse and trying to be "funny", and don't realize what they're saying is hurtful.
And YES - you can absolutely call yourself a runner!0 -
Your brother in law sounds like "Peaked in High School Rob Lowe". I've met people like that before but not so many after middle school....0
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I'm considered slow 12 min to 10:54 min. My husband teases me, my son's call it a mamma jog but hey I AM A RUNNER! I'm not discouraged0
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His brother is a runner and cross country coach. He feels if your mile isn't under 10 mins you shouldn't even try.
@tucky3203, this is an incredibly ignorant statement by your brother-in-law and the fact that he's a cross country coach and still believes this is just amazing. I would not want my kids to be coached by this guy. Ridiculous!!
There's absolutely no question that you are are runner. THREE half marathons? training for a full? You have my respect, fellow runner!!
You can either ignore these foolish comments or use them as motivation.0 -
Walking is 1 foot on the floor at all times and running is a period of being airborne between steps. As long as that happens you are running. Pace is irrelavent!
Awesome job on the 2 HM's and good luck on the Full. You'll be great just keep moving forward and give yourself the opertunity to prove them wrong!0 -
always remember that you are doing an amazing and non ordinary thing, that is NOT done by the majority
it doesn't matter if you run 1 miles or 26.2 miles, if your pace is 15 min/k or 3 min /km, you chose to get out and do something that requires a lot of effort, determination, suffer, and not many have the guts to do it - but you have!
be always proud of it, and ignore others, they are just waiting for a failure, because they cannot admit you are doing something that is great and probably they cannot do
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If you run then you are a runner and you are training for a marathon that is an amazing thing in itself. People just assume that marathon runners are tiny sprinters that look like super models and eat only bananas.
Screw everyone else when you run that race it will be for you and YOU did it not these nay Sayers and especially those couch potatoes.
Any speed fdoes come from intervals and sprint work during training... You are just going to keep getting better.0 -
I am in a better place mentally today than yesterday. Thank you everyone for all your advice. I am a runner...sometimes I just need the confirmation. Training has been good. No injuries so far. I think the increase in mileage and lack of support from extended family wears a toll on you mentally. Slow or Fast it is still miles on the feet.
My brother in law is completely aware of my feelings...I made it known that I didn't respect his critique.
Ironically he wasn't very good as an athelete in highschool...maybe that's why he belittles.
All of you just made confirmation for all the miles I've done and still have ahead of me. You are amazing!0 -
I think a couple of quotes from John Bingham, author of "Marathoning for Mortals", are appropriate here.
“The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”
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It is people like your brother-in-law that give runners a bad name. Fortunately, there aren't many like him. I am sad to hear that he is coaching young, impressionable, teens.0
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I think a couple of quotes from John Bingham, author of "Marathoning for Mortals", are appropriate here.
“The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”
“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”
I got to see John speak earlier this year (before he retired). He was believably funny. Almost ever story was hilarious and also true. 0 -
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I can still call myself a runner...right?
That shouldn't even be a question! Of course you are a runner!
Stick with what you are doing - getting through training uninjured is a major accomplishment in itself and is a worthy objective for anyone. No one likes to be sidelined; if you can avoid that you are not only a runner but a WISE runner.
No doubt those making a joke at your expense aren't also runners. If they were, they wouldn't make those kinds of insensitive wisecracks. Real runners - like you - understand that everyone has their own pace and needs.
Don't let such comments get you down. Instead write them off as coming from people who don't run that don't know what they are talking about.
PS: There are running jerks out there. Ignore them too. Because, well, they are jerks!
Fortunately, I've found them to be rare. But, they do exist. Don't let them spoil your enjoyment of your chosen sport.0 -
I'm so lucky. i haven't met one yet. a few focused on what they are doing and thus oblivious to their surroundings and the "head nod" but no jerks just support0
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I feel you! Sometimes I don't feel like I'm a runner but darnit...I am! I saw a lady at my last half marathon with a shirt that said "Looks like walking, feels like running." It had a turtle on it. My hero.
I also did 3 half marathons and am working towards my 4th in April. Serious hats off to you for a full marathon. I don't think I'll ever be able to do that with my stumpy 15min/mil pace.
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